Large datasets have allowed more generality in ecology than ever before but this may come at a cost of precision and realism. Modelling the dominance of mangrove species on the basis of observational data of few abiotic variables is an example of where this comes at a cost of realism. This is because the multi-factorial and inter-correlated nature of abiotic and biotic variables that limit the distribution of mangroves cannot be accounted for in statistical models on the basis of few observational data. The solution to the seemingly intractable problem of achieving general explanations is to better coordinate comparative and experimental research across a global range of mangrove environments.

Paine, R. T. (2010).
Macroecology: does it ignore or can it encourage further ecological synthesis based on spatially local experimental manipulations? American Naturalist176, 385–393. | CrossRef | PubMed |